American in Europe

[Tim_Lentz@domain.elided]

     Well gang, I'm back from 3 weeks in Europe. MAN, WHAT AN EXPERIENCE! (I see 
     I missed quite a few digests(76), did I miss any big flame wars?)
     
     I must thank all the Europeans on the list for the wonderful 
     experiences that your "countrymen" shared with this "American 
     Tourist". I'm quite sure I stuck out like a "Yankee" but (for the most 
     part) I was treated with respect anyway.
     
     I'm reminded of a "Sting" (the pop musician) song that was out in the 
     late 80's titled "Englishman in New York", where he (Sting) describes 
     how it feels to be a foreigner on American soil. Now, I can flip the 
     situation around into "American in Europe". BTW  - The songs ends "be 
     yourself no matter what they say" ... basically saying that I can never 
     hope to be a German, Frenchmen, or Italian. The best I can hope to be 
     is a gracious, compassionate, and understanding "American". (hopefully, 
     there is such a thing)
     
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     For those that live in Europe or have traveled there, everything I could 
     possibly say would be already known. 
     
     For those that haven't, WHAT COOL CAR THEY HAVE OVER THERE!
     
     Alfas, Alfas and more Alfas! (although I mostly saw 1980's and newer 
     models)
     
     I must admit though, that the 2 cars that really "stole my heart" were 
     the Morris/Austin Mini and the Fiat 500. We have some of these models 
     in the US but there numbers are so small that you "never" see them. 
     Probably not really great cars for the US style of driving (i.e. 
     Highways) but what a great way to get around town.
     
     I did make it to the Alfa Romeo "Museo" in Milan/Arese. WHY DO THEY "BURY" 
     SUCH A "GEM"? The museum is the best collection of Alfa Romeos anywhere 
     (bar none) and the place is basically hidden away and forgotten about. If 
     it wasn't for Evlira Ruuco(sp), I don't believe they would have even let my 
     wife and I in to see the place. The "Museo" is for all intense purposes a 
     time capsule in which very few ever get access to the "key". Anyway, enough 
     ratting and raving .... THE PLACE WAS AWESOME! 
     
     
     Getting to the museum via mass transit from Milan(Milano) is possible! 
     (Two subway connections and then a bus ride) and if we just would have 
     purchase round trip bus passes instead of "one way" it would have been 
     about $6.00 a person round trip from the central train station. But 
     because of our mistake we had to add in a $30 taxi ride from the 
     factory to a metro (subway) station on the return leg. The fact that 
     it was raining all day made the traveling to and from the factory a 
     royal pain-in-the-ass. (if anyone wants the travel details just e-mail 
     me)
     
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     For all those that responded to my "Dropping Out" post a few weeks 
     back. Thanks for the kindness and support! It was down right touching 
     to receive such responses.
     
     Note: e-mail changing to timlentz@domain.elided
     
     Tim Lentz 
     '74 spider (on ice)
     '96 Safari Trek 24' (... the RV)
     

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